By Ejiofor Toochi
Edited by Sunkanmi Adewunmi
If you’re looking for how to spend this Christmas in Ikeja and enjoy it to the fullest, consider this your personal guide.
Christmas is here again, and if you’ve been online lately, you’ve probably noticed that most events this December seem to be happening on the Island. And you may wonder: Does Lagos Mainland also have hotspots for fun?
The answer is yes, and Ikeja is proof. Walk with me…
Ikeja is a city of energy, food, and endless activity. From its malls to restaurants, lounges, cinemas, hotels, and nightclubs, it is one of the few places in Lagos where you can plan an entire festive calendar without crossing the bridge.
So, because of my love for you, I’ve compiled a simple guide to help you have the most fun in Ikeja. Let’s go!
Restaurants & Cafes
Food is the heart of the holidays, and Ikeja is full of places that understand the assignment. If you’re looking for where to dine this festive season, start with these few restaurants within Ikeja, a helpful guide to both popular and authentic spots perfect for dates, group hangouts, or solo enjoyment.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, consider visiting these cafes and ice cream shops in Ikeja. For night lovers who love music, Ikeja boasts of these top Karaoke bars for an epic night out.
Cinemas — Because Holiday Movies Hit Differently
December is incomplete if you haven’t watched at least one Nollywood or Hollywood blockbuster. To help you choose the best location for your movies, check out these Cinemas in Ikeja to catch the latest holiday blockbuster. Consider visiting Viva Cinemas as they’re super affordable.
Shopping
Christmas is unarguably the season for buying new things and for gifting your loved ones. Luckily, the city is home to two popular malls. At the top of the list is the Ikeja City Mall (ICM), the go-to destination for holiday shopping. If you want an affordable, less crowded shopping environment, then Jara Mall is a must-visit.
Tourism & Parks
Sometimes the best part of the holiday is discovering new places. If you want to explore culture and history this season, start with these three notable historical tourist attractions in Ikeja. Or you can do a bit of legwork and explore other unique hangout spots in Ikeja, such as arcades and art galleries.
Also located within Ikeja are two very popular parks in Lagos: Johnson Jakande Tinubu (JJT) and Ndubuisi Kanu Park. They are perfect for picnics with family, friends and even colleagues.
Nightclubs
After a hard year of grinding, I mean, it’s only normal to want to turn up and let loose. If your idea of a good holiday includes loud music, dancing, lights, and late nights, there are a couple of prominent nightclubs in Ikeja you have to check out.
For the Soft Life Christmas
If you are posh and would rather stick to an affluent neighbourhood like Ikeja GRA, with its serene streets, premium restaurants, and lifestyle spots, then this article, Ikeja GRA: 5 Fun Things You Can Do in One Day, will help you plan your soft-life version of Christmas.
If, after everything, you still feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin, you can use this guide to plan the perfect Christmas Day outing. And for a simple all-in-one option, check out these five things to do in Ikeja this Christmas — your complete December cheat sheet.
Try to make the best of this Christmas. Hang out with friends, make connections, and most importantly, have fun!
